27th April 2018 - Press Release

The Port of Dover is beginning to take delivery of the new Marina Pier, as part of the Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development, which consists of 360 individual precast concrete units with a combined weight of 13,350t and marks the return of 550m of revitalised waterfront promenade.

Components for the Marina Pier are being manufactured by Macrete, a company based in Northern Ireland, and at the forefront of the precast concrete industry. Designed by Tony Gee & Partners, the pier will be constructed by VSBW.

Dave Herrod, DWDR Programme Director, Port of Dover said: “Dover’s new pier will offer a stylish modern structure which will form the northern part of the marina and deliver on our promise of a transformed waterfront.”

“The pier represents a shared vision finally becoming reality and a big step towards a more vibrant and interesting waterfront for the whole community to enjoy.”

The overall design ensures that the marina pier is in keeping with the surrounding harbour area and aesthetically pleasing to the Dover community. The wave walls have also been featured to promote important habitat for macroalgal and epifauna in the harbour - an initiative approved by the Environment Agency.

Mr Herrod added: “Macrete’s massive, precast units and wave walls not only meet the structural requirements, but aesthetically, are textured to match existing structures in the harbour and deliver a high-quality finish for the development.”

Abhey Gupta, Project Manager, Macrete Ireland Ltd said, “We are pleased and proud to be associated with Dover’s regeneration and by shipping the units directly from Belfast to Dover, we have contributed to the sustainability and environmental targets of the project.”

Adeniyi Aje, Marine Director of local design consultant Tony Gee and Partners, Kent said: “The New Marina Pier fills us with pride. It is unique with innovative and sustainable features serving a dual function as a new public promenade and as a breakwater to protect vessels in the new marina. The design solution has sustainability, safety and ease of manufacturing and assembly at its core. For example, the large hollow precast concrete units save on material resources, minimise handling and optimise the use of construction plant on site to reduce construction time. We are pleased to be part of the team delivering an exciting scheme within our community”.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Port of Dover

The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area. With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;

Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic;

A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover's unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle; and

Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c.£250m committed for its delivery.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award - the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

VSBW is a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, Bascule Bridge and capital dredging work.

Macrete Ireland Ltd

Founded in 1979, Macrete Ireland Ltd is at the forefront of the precast concrete engineering industry. Supplying materials and expertise to UK blue chip construction companies, Macrete Ireland Ltd are specialists in precast solutions for the sea defence, civil engineering, railway infrastructure, sports stadia and water and utility sectors.

Based in Northern Ireland, the Company utilises a 45-acre site at Toomebridge, Co. Antrim with state-of-the-art manufacturing machines and systems.